Interview - Mavis Eisen (OQ 1947)

In February, I visited one of our alumane, Mavis Eisen. Mavis attended Queen’s from 1945 – 1947, and shared some memories of her time at school with me.  

Do you have fond memories of your time at Queen’s?  

Yes! I did, various stand out in my memory. I remember on Founder’s Day, you have some person come and view us! I don’t remember the other years, but my first year the Mayor of London came. I can remember the view down the corridor. 

How many girls were in your year group? 

I would say it was under 20, as the school was only just putting itself back together after the war. In those days there were 4 classes, I started in the 4th. Each class had a room along the corridor. 

Did you study any music at Queen’s? 

I had piano lessons, and we also had class music lessons. I can see the music teacher in my head but I can’t remember her name! I remember practicing in the room behind the stage.  

I was very unpopular in the singing classes because I put everyone off. We had a singing master, in the hall. If you wanted something got or taken that was my job instead of singing! I enjoyed playing the piano more, but I disgraced myself with the piano. They decided I was fit enough to play the hymns in the morning, I made a real mess of that. Now that I remember! 

What other subjects were on your timetable? What were your favourites? 

My favourite was always Maths, I couldn’t abide English. We also studied two English, algebra and geometery, science, play reading, French, singing, music, history and geography. The usual.  

Did you play any sports? 

We did PE and I played netball, we used to go up to Regent’s Park to play. I think we also played tennis in the summer.  

If you were to give some advice to someone who is currently a student at Queen’s, what would it be? 

Live your life to the full, as full as you can. Because frankly you don’t know what’s around the corner.